Zhang Yuning signed for West Brom in July 2017 but is yet to make an appearance for the club, and there’s a reasonable chance he never will.
Loaned to Werder Bremen for a two season period, the striker didn’t make an appearance and only appeared on the German club’s bench a couple of times. The loan was therefore cut short in June 2018 and West Brom looked for a new option for their player.
Yuning was sent out on loan to ADO Den Haag, presumably the plan being he’d get more joy in the Netherlands, having already played for Vitesse and gaining appearances with the Dutch club.
But he’s yet to make an appearance so far. This time it’s due to an injury picked up during the summer whilst with the China national set-up.
Despite that, and despite the fact Yuning isn’t yet fit enough to fully train, he’s been called up by China’s youth selection, with it all being overseen by Guus Hiddink.
ADO are fine with the curious trip, with manager Fons Groenendijk quoted by AD as saying: “They wanted to have him with them and we have given permission for it. He can’t train with the group yet, but he is in good hands with Guus Hiddink.”
West Brom will surely be keeping an eye on the situation.
